Prime Small Screen Picks: 7 Can't-Miss Motion Pictures This Week
Top Selection
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching commentary addresses the oppressive nature of female beauty along with the feared consequences of growing older. The veteran actress presents a masterful acting turn playing Elisabeth, a mature actress forced into hosting a workout series on TV. Pushed out by her slimy boss Harvey, she seeks out a mysterious and gruesome treatment called the Substance. This generates a new version of herself named Sue, leading to an increasingly parasitic dynamic among both women. October 17th, Paramount Plus
The Woman in Cabin 10
This Agatha Christie-esque story includes Keira Knightley playing Laura, a skilled journalist who takes a break from writing about global conflict to embark on an opulent ship with a terminally ill Scandinavian billionaire and philanthropist, her husband, plus additional filthy rich guests. However when an unknown lady goes overboard overnight and all passengers claims she was never there, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Out now, the Netflix platform
Presence
Steven Soderbergh pushes his film-making abilities through this innovative supernatural story shot entirely from the viewpoint of the spirit. As a family with Lucy Liu as Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the camera – as the unseen entity – follows them around. Chloe seems aware of the poltergeist, and it looks like guarding her. But why? The premise is enjoyable that doesn't outstay its welcome, featuring a surprise that could catch you off guard. October 11th, multiple showings, Sky Cinema
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage wholeheartedly adopts his unique fame through this autobiographical spoof. He portrays a narcissistic celebrity named Nicolas Cage who agrees to a million-dollar gig to visit a celebration on the Spanish island for billionaire Javi Gutierrez. Recruited by the CIA to investigate the alleged criminal, Cage's unique performing skills is put to the test. October 11th, 9pm, the Channel 4 network
This Creepy Thriller
Derrickson's locked-room horror holds up well despite the lack of a follow-up. Set in the late 70s in Denver, multiple child abductions has left the children on edge. When Finney gets captured by “the Grabber” and locked up in a dungeon, he dreads a fatal end. Yet the disconnected phone in the room continues to ring, with ghostly voices offering help, while the intuitive nightmares of his sister Gwen might rescue him. A genuinely scary movie. Saturday 11 October, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the battle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in this director's wonderfully garish true story regarding the shamed TV preacher and her criminal husband. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. He and Tammy Faye begin capitalizing on the people's religious faith. It's a spectacle of poor styling, overdone appearance and bad faith, yet the lead actress manages to present the character with compassion. Tuesday 14 October, late night, on Film4
Black Bag
This period's another release by the same director presents a spy mystery as tight similar to the collars worn by Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission to identify a traitor among the team from a group of five – among them is his spouse. Both actors are masters of understated style, resulting in an engaging psychological game of deception or honesty develops. The supporting cast participate the smart espionage amusement. Friday 17 October, various showings, Sky Cinema
